The House of Representatives recently passed a bill that marks a significant step forward in the remuneration of Nigerian judicial officials, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola.
President Bola Tinubu initiated the bill, which proposed a new salary system aimed at improving the welfare and independence of the court by reflecting current economic conditions.
The law specifies a monthly total package of N5.39 million for the CJN, with the remaining Supreme Court judges getting N4.21 million. The President of the Court of Appeal's package is set at N4.48 million, while Justices of the Court of Appeal will get N3.73 million monthly.
It also sets compensation levels for other high-ranking judicial posts around the country, including the Chief Judges and Grand Khadis, who would get N3.53 million.
These packages include the basic salary as well as a variety of allowances, to meet practically all of the professional and personal needs of judicial officers.
Beyond the basic remuneration, the bill includes many extra allowances that are not included in the monthly package. These include leave allowances, a $2,000 estacode per night where applicable, and duty tour allowances, among other benefits.
A prominent element is a severance gratuity of N80.78 million upon termination of the tenure, together with a motor vehicle loan, showing the government's commitment to enhancing the overall welfare of judicial officials.
